Michigan's 2012 spring practices kick off this weekend - with a number of talented visitors expected to be in attendance - but next weekend's practices will have some visitors of their own. Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga cornerback Devin Butler plans to visit Ann Arbor as part of a multi-city swing through Big Ten Country.

"On the 24th I'm going to Michigan," he started, "on the 26th I'm going to Northwestern, On the 27th I'll be at Wisconsin, on the 29th I'll be at Notre Dame, and then on the 31st I'll be at Ohio State. It'll be exciting."

Prior to heading up to Michigan, Butler has been hearing from Michigan's defensive coordinator, Greg Mattison, and defensive backs coach Curt Mallory. They see potential in his 6-1, 185-pound frame. Although Butler has yet to receive a ranking from Rivals, that is primarily due to lack of experience.

"This year was my first, so I was really just going off of raw talent," Butler explained. "Speed and ball skills. I've really been working hard to improve my footwork. I was playing off of raw athleticism, and a good vertical. That helps me, because I track the ball at the highest point."

"I've been talking to Coach Mallory and Coach Mattison. They've been telling me that with the size they see in me and the raw talent with the speed, that they can really form me into a prime time corner."

Butler knows that he's a good fit for Michigan, so what he's trying to discover on his trip is whether Michigan - or any of the other schools on his Big Ten tour - is a good fit for him. He already knows he's compatible with Brady Hoke's coaching staff, so he wants to test whether the rest of the total Michigan experience is right for him.

"I really want to get to spend time with the players," Butler said. "See if the team is the the type that I could see myself being with these guys for the next 4-5 years. And then I really want to get around the students, and see more of the city. I have a good feel for the coaches, and I know I feel comfortable with them."

Although he has yet to arrange his many offers - from schools like Georgia Tech, Nebraska, Penn State, and Virginia - into a list of favorites, by the time he returns home from the Midwest, Butler will start to think about narrowing things down.